Money and power run hand in hand; a successful oligarch needs both. But Wood Maggard, de facto socialite, is bored.

He's got the money. Power is an afterthought.

At least it used to be. All he really wants in life is a challenge, but he gets more than he bargains for when pushing his best friend at a pretty package topped in black curls.

Ashton Westworth looks like a godsend, the perfect way to distract James from addictions and a bad relationship too. Her ties to dungeon master Alpha―along with the abuse disguised under contract―complicate things.

Even being born to money, Wood and James don't have the power to shake Alpha from his web. Worse, Ash won't opt out or reveal his true identity.

If anybody can get through Ashton's walls, it's Sybil Pratte. Street smart, tech savvy, and resourceful―she's the girl with all the gifts.

If only she would use them for good. Though she came to Academy Park for a fresh start, her past follows and refuses to let her go.

In her mind, help doesn't always have to be a handout. Information is worth more than gold, and Sybil knows how to get it.

While Wood and James are looking for a way in, Sybil needs a way out. She's torn between past and present, but being in the business of survival also means looking to the future.

How much is friendship really worth?. .